While windows were smashed and doors thrown open from the force of the impact, only 270 homes were damaged.

The decendant of a 366 survivor said the young Wagga man “sealed his fate, sacrificing his life for others”.

In a moving testimony, the captain’s nephew Stuart Meiklejohn said an annual service was still held for his uncle in Belgium – “the Wagga man who saved their town”.

Stuart said his uncle was known to be “generous” and a “good bloke” – a farming boy who could not wait to join the war.

“That is why I tell this story,” Stuart Meiklejohn said. “My uncle died a hero.”

Scott Cochrane said the tale of courage and selflessness had inspired his project, recorded by Wagga band Bitter Shoosh. He said tales like The Captain and 366 could “reach far and wide through music”.

In his lyrics Mr Cochrane said while, “many are gone and forgot… they honour your name and praise you on hallowed ground.”

“You flew the coffin like a fighter but they caught you right back in the tail,” Mr Cochrane sang. “Captain 366 makin’ a hero’s stand tonight.”

A plaque honouring Bruce Meiklejohn was also unveiled and donated to the museum on Friday.